How to Create Accessible Canva Documents

This post will go over how to create accessible Canva documents and export them to PDF. Then, we will make it accessible!

Video Guide

Please follow the steps in the video on how to create accessible documents in Canva. The export to PDF option seems to be improving over time. Below you will find some directions on how to fix tables and list items.

Creating the Basic Structure

Starting with Canva’s new feature that allows users to create documents, we’ll be adding various elements to test accessibility. This includes adding headers, tables, bulleted and numbered lists, and more. Our primary goal is to ensure that the document, although simple in design, complies with accessibility standards.

Exporting and Accessibility Check

Once the basic design is complete, we’ll move on to exporting the document as a PDF and conducting a comprehensive accessibility check. This involves cleaning up tag structures, making proper use of header tags, handling list items, and addressing table-related challenges.

Here’s a closer look at the process:

1. Adding Headers: We’ll use heading level one and two to organize the content.
2. Inserting Tables: A two by three table will be added, with cells merged as needed.
3. Working with Lists: Both bulleted and numbered lists will be added to test them.
4. Image and Design Elements: Random designs and images can be added to beautify the document.
5. Exporting the File: The document will be downloaded as a PDF, following the standard procedure in Canva.
6. Accessibility Checks in Adobe Acrobat: Extensive checks and modifications will be performed to ensure complete accessibility.

Table tag breakdown

1. Table Parent Tag <Table>
2. Table Row Child tag <TR>
3. Table Header Cell <TH>
4. Table Data Cell <TD>
5. Table on Page

Setting the Scope of Table Headers

With the reading order tool open, right-click on the table and select “Table Editor.” Select all table header cells at the top of the table, right-click and select “Table Cell Properties,” and change the scope from none to “Column.” If you have table headers on the row side, you can set the scope to “Row” as needed.

1. Launch Reading order tool
2. Right-click inside of the table and select Table editor

1. Select the cells you want to set the scope for
2. Right-click and select table cell properties
3. Adjust the scope to either row, column, or both

How to tag a list in adobe acrobat pro

1. List Parent Tag <L>
2. List Item Child Tag <LI>
3. Label <Lbl>
4. List Body child Tag <LBody>
5. Contents of First list item
6. List item content on page

Step 1: Prepare the PDF and Create a Blank List Tag

Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

1. Right-click in the Tags panel
2. Select “New Tag,”
3. Create a blank List tag (capital “L”).

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Step 2: Create List Item Tags and Nest Them

Manually create list item (LI) tags and nest them within the List tag. To do this, right-click the List tag, select “New Tag,” and type “LI” (capital “L” and “I”).

Step 3: Add Label and L Body Tags

For each LI tag, create Label (LBL) and L Body tags. Right-click each LI tag, select “New Tag,” and type “Lbl” for Label and “LBody” for LBody tags. Drag and drop these tags into their appropriate locations within the LI tags.

Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!